FRISCO, Texas -- The offensive coordinator of the Cowboys, Scott Linehan, denied having any conversation about the frustration expressed by receiver Dez Bryant.
Linehan said that the only focus this week is to finish the season with a victory in Philadelphia, when they face the Eagles in the last regular season game, even though the result is already inconsequential in playoff aspirations.
"We want to set the tone for next year," Linehan said. "That always helps to start the offseason on a positive note."
Bryant had an evident drop in performance this season compared to previous seasons when he was healthy, both in statistics and ability to catch passes.
At 29, Bryant has 66 receptions for 815 yards with six touchdowns. From 2012 to 2014, the last year he was supposedly fully healthy, the outgoing receiver averaged 91 completions, 14 touchdowns, and 1,312 yards.
"This is not a place where we go by excuses or arguments," the offensive coordinator mentioned. "Our focus is on the day-to-day and the way we go out to compete." Linehan denied hearing the frequent criticisms regarding play calling, conservative system, and offensive discipline surrounding the team.
He said that in his 16 years of experience in the NFL, he has had to deal with that and that all the pre-game and in-game work is about how coaches see the game.
"We will make the relevant assessments in all aspects when the season ends," he warned. "Right now, our only concern is Sunday's game against the Eagles."
He also said he is unconcerned about possible movements involving his job among the Cowboys coaching staff.
"I only worry about what I can control," he said.
WITTEN RETURNS FOR HIS 16TH SEASON
Tight end Jason Witten reiterated that he wants to play at least one more season with his Cowboys, as he has done since 2003.
He said he still feels that he can be productive because when he thinks he is not, he will retire immediately.
He denied that his intentions to keep playing are directly related to the lack of a Super Bowl championship.
"It's obvious that we are all motivated here to win the Super Bowl," he commented. "But even if I had already won one, I would have the same desire to continue in the sport that I have wanted all my life."
SOUNDS LIKE SCANDRICK'S FAREWELL
Veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick sounded on Thursday as if he were saying goodbye to the press covering the Cowboys.
Scandrick said that he has spent too many seasons in Dallas and knows that times of change are coming.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2008, Scandrick has spent his 10 seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys. He has missed the previous three games due to a back injury.
He said he already feels in perfect condition, although he did not know if he will be activated for the last game of the season, this Sunday in Philadelphia.